International Gold Cup Races

Please come enjoy the 78th running of the world famous International Gold Cup steeplechase race, October 24, 2015 at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia Ticket sales benefit the Great Meadow Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Great Meadow's open space for community access.

The legendary annual Virginia Gold Cup steeplechasing classic, now run before a sellout crowd of over 50,000 people, comes from much simpler beginnings. Steeplechasing in Virginia has been a way of life since early Colonial times when the horse was the primary way of transportation, farming and war. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson met in sporting competition over fences. Organized steeplechase races have run in Fauquier County since 1844 originally at White Sulphur Springs then a fashionable spa near Warrenton.

The Virginia Gold Cup Association looks forward to hosting you and your guests at the races. Come enjoy the fun!

Race day activities include terrier races, shopping, hat contests, tailgate contests, and some of the best steeplechase racing you'll find anywhere.